News

Penryn students headed outdoors this month (just try stopping ‘em!)

We have a phenomenal outdoor education programme and September’s activities just prove it!  None of these expeditions or activities would be possible without the huge enthusiasm and time commitment of our qualified staff who seem to like nothing better than getting wet, being muddy and sleeping under canvas at the weekend.

Year 10 Leadership challenges on the Isles of Scilly

A group of Year 10 students headed for the Isles of Scilly on September 3rd – these 14 students were on the Leading Edge Programme.  The destination ensured that students were taken out of their comfort zone and their every move and decision was monitored by leaders (and science teachers) Mr Chanter and Ms Edgell. The leadership course required these Year 10s to work in teams and solve a range of problems. They had to build shelters capable of giving them all night protection; kayak and navigate around the islands, build rafts, plan and cook meals for their teams. The experience was intense and the conditions were tough at times, but the staff were hugely impressed by their resourcefulness, good humour and determination.

Duke of Edinburgh Award success

Mr Ede, Mr Cheetham and Mrs Bisset accompanied 18 Year 9 and year 10 students on their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award assessment on 10/11^th September.  The students, both girls and boys, tackled two days of route finding in the Mylor/Restronguet area, covering up to 30k. All successfully passed the independent assessor’s scrutiny – congratulations, teams!

We have over 50 students on the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme currently – the numbers are the highest ever!  Eleven successfully achieved took the Silver Award in July with a challenging expedition to Bodmin Moor.

Mrs Oliver and tent brave weather on DoE training expedition last weekend

Chris Reade, our Outdoor Education Coordinator, has already begun training this term’s 21 Bronze award participants – they yomped from Penryn to Stithians and back on September 24/25th, setting up camp in horrific conditions on Saturday afternoon.  The students walked a total of 28 k over the weekend.  Mrs Oliver was relieved and delighted that her tent withstood the torrential rain. ‘It’s 22 years old – it was a miracle!’  Even Mr Reade, hardened outdoor adventurer, said ‘The weather was so awful, even I thought what am I doing here?  The resilience of our students was amazing!’

The Big One – entering the Ten Tors Challenge

Training starts next month for the annual Ten Tors Dartmoor challenge which takes place in May 2017 – this year for the first time, we are entering teams for both the tough 35 mile and the even tougher 45 mile routes!  They will take on 400 teams from other schools and colleges.

Our 2016 Ten Tors team

Adventure on our doorstep

Mr Reade offers an exciting range of after-school outdoor education activities and they are open to all students. This term surfing, climbing, archery and watersports are on offer – full details in our study support programme booklet.  With qualifications in climbing, mountain biking, caving (!) kayaking and moorland leadership, he is just the person to encourage Penryn college students to be adventurous and get outdoors.